Although many cymbidiums start to flower in December, some bloom as early as November. Most bloom between February and May, a few in May and June, and just one or two bloom year round. Choose wisely, and you can have these exotic orchids decorating your home, patio, and garden for six months or more. Protect cymbidiums’ bloom spikes from snails when they are outside. Stake the spike to avoid breakage, but allow each spray to maintain its natural arching form. Allow miniatures in hanging baskets to cascade naturally. Continue to feed the plants for bloom with a fertilizer rich in bloom ingredients until buds open. Once they bloom stop feeding the plants; keep them damp but not soggy. For longer-lasting flowers, move blooming plants into more shade and keep away from bees if they are outside. (The flowers “blush” and fade after pollination.)
Once cymbidium spikes have set buds you can force some into bloom ahead of their natural schedule. Wait until the buds on the bloom spikes are full size and look fat and ready to open. Then place the plant in a warm area with bright light. The warmth plus the longer “day” will open the buds quickly. Move back into a lower-light area for longer lasting blooms.
There’s one drawback to forcing-plants you force into bloom early won’t perform as well next year. You’ll get a few spikes - but not as many. Wait for the third year; though, and they’ll be loaded with blooms again.